Good Visitor Promise launched to promote responsible and welcoming tourism across Ards and North Down
Released: Thursday 21 May 2026
The Good Visitor Promise has been officially launched in Ards and North Down, promoting a shared approach to responsible tourism that supports local communities, protects heritage and safeguards the natural environment.
Developed through the Sustainable Tourism Group, which sits within the areas Community Planning Partnership, the Good Visitor Promise has been co designed by organisations working together to shape a positive and inclusive message for visitors to the Borough.
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The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, Mark Irvine, National Museums Northern Ireland, Etta Austin, Tourism Ireland, Susie McCullough, Chief Executive, Ards and North Down Borough Council & David Roberts, Tourism Northern Ireland
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The Promise is being promoted through a short, animated film with an accompanying poster, which will be shared across key visitor locations, cultural venues and online platforms. Together, they set out a simple and encouraging guide to help visitors enjoy Ards and North Down responsibly.
The launch took place at National Museums Northern Ireland, whose venue provided a fitting setting for an initiative focused on shared stewardship of place, heritage and culture.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said,
"Ards and North Down is a very special place, shaped by our coastline, landscapes, history and culture, but above all by our people. The Good Visitor Promise reflects the warm welcome we are known for, while also recognising that looking after this place is a shared responsibility."
Sustainable tourism is a shared priority within The Big Plan for Ards and North Down, the Borough's Community Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for inclusive growth, wellbeing and environmental stewardship. Through the Sustainable Tourism Group, organisations across the Community Planning Partnership are aligning their own plans, programmes and ways of working to support this ambition by recognising that how we welcome and manage visitors has implications for communities, heritage, infrastructure and the natural environment.
The Good Visitor Promise encourages visitors to enjoy the Borough's outstanding assets responsibly, rather than imposing rules or restrictions, the Promise offers a positive and inclusive invitation, built around respect for local communities, support for local businesses, care for the environment and kindness towards people and place.
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The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, alongside the Ards and North Down Community Planning Sustainable Tourism Group
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A representative of the Sustainable Tourism Group said:
"The Good Visitor Promise has been shaped through collaboration and shared values. It provides a common message that partners can stand behind, helping visitors understand how small actions can make a real difference to the places they enjoy."
Aligned to Ards and North Down's StAND for Sustainability Initiative, the Good Visitor Promise's new animation and accompanying posters will be rolled out across the Borough in the coming weeks and shared widely through Council and partner channels.
For more information and to view the animation, visit - visitardsandnorthdown.com/GoodVisitorPromise
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The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, alongside L-R, Mark Irvine, National Museums Northern Ireland, Etta Austin, Tourism Ireland, Susie McCullough, Chief Executive, Ards and North Down Borough Council and David Roberts, Tourism Northern Ireland.
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The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, alongside the Ards and North Down Community Planning Sustainable Tourism Group.
